Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item :http://hdl.handle.net/2066/76802

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Subject:

Developmental psychopathology

Organization:

FSW_Fac. algemeenSW OZ BSI OGG

Journal title:

Journal of Youth and Adolescence

Volume:

vol. 38

Issue:

iss. 6

Page start:

p. 765

Page end:

p. 776

Abstract:

This study examined the associations between adolescents' daily Internet use and low well-being (i.e., loneliness, low self-esteem, and depressive moods). We hypothesized that (a) linkages between high levels of daily Internet use and low well-being would be mediated by compulsive Internet use (CIU), and (b) that adolescents with low levels of agreeableness and emotional stability, and high levels of introversion would be more likely to develop CIU and lower well-being. Data were used from a sample of 7888 Dutch adolescents (11-21 years). Results from structural equation modeling analyses showed that daily Internet use was indirectly related to low well-being through CIU. In addition, daily Internet use was found to be more strongly related to CIU in introverted, low-agreeable, and emotionally less-stable adolescents. In turn, again, CIU was more strongly linked to loneliness in introverted, emotionally less-stable, and less agreeable adolescents.